Letter to Church in Caesarea

People of the church in Caesarea,

I am currently on my journey home after a long, but encouraging Council at Nicaea. It was wonderful to see the holy leaders of our church come together to discuss and decide on great issues that will define our faith going forward.

In our first few sessions, we were primarily focused on the language of the creedal statement that would give definition to the beliefs we hold. I was along the side of my dear friend Arius. Him and I along with Eusebius of Nicomedia and Meletius were working to set forth the original statements. I came up with our first draft for the nature of God. This was met with mostly agreement and we swiftly passed the first part on God. Next we focused on Jesus and his relation to God. Here, I was very excited about the many compromises both sides made. The people siding with Alexander had other ideas than we did, but I commend them for their focus on the unity and empire of the church. For this goal was profoundly important to me and we achieved that in passing the creed that we did.

Following the vote on the creed the third day, we moved forward into the language of the canons. The first day we began this I was very frustrated. This is because the ecclesiastical capital of Palestine has been moved to Jerusalem. I know this change will be met with significant disappointment, however, I must encourage you in that our importance within the church is still evident. I have spoken to Marcarius throughout the council and we have shared similar interests for Palestine so my hope is to work more with him going forward. We also voted for the elevated status of metropolitan bishops and less of role of future councils. I am no longer a metropolitan bishop but I think others will do a fine job in this higher status.

The date of the celebration of the Resurrection was discussed at length as well. Three choices were made clear, but ultimately we decided to celebrate it on the first Sunday after Passover. I am very excited about this. I think it is of great importance to maintain the connection to the Jewish celebration with our own.

Another loss I faced was the decision on the celibacy of the clergy. Not many others supported me in this. I would’ve liked to pass a canon that did not require celibacy of clergy, but unfortunately the majority was against me. My scriptural argument did not match that of theirs.

Finally, on our last day, we focused on the role of women in the clergy as well as the issue of the lapsed. These two things I was indeterminate on. However, I voted against much of role for women and I also voted for a laxist approach to the lapsed. We need to remember the forgiveness Jesus gave us, time and time again. I was also able to pass some language on the re-baptizing of followers of Paul of Samosata. This I felt was important because we need to have a clear pure clergy and leadership of the church.

Ultimately, this council was a success. Despite some losses, I myself was happy with the way things turned out. The Holy Scriptures were remembered in every discussion and unity was met. Those being my greatest cares, I was encouraged by the language used. I am so thrilled and alive with the Holy Spirit after this momentous council.

God be with all of you and myself included as I travel back to the beautiful Caesarea.

Eusebius